Ex-coach charged with sexual assault of student

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The coach accused of sexually assaulting a teen student appeared in court Friday morning.

One of the victim’s mothers was screaming and had to be escorted out of the courthouse by Cook County Sheriff’s Deputies following the hearing.

33-year-old Kevin Jones was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of attempted criminal sexual assault. He was a basketball coach at Epic Academy Charter School on the South Side.

Prosecutors said that Jones drove a 17-year-old girl and her friend home after a basketball game last Thursday. He parked his car in an alley in the 8500 block of South Green Bay Avenue and got into the back seat with the girls. Prosecutors said he tried to force one of the girls to perform a sex act on him, but she resisted and got out of the car. Prosecutors also said the girl then witnessed Jones and her friend engage in a sex act.

Assistant State’s Attorney Joell Zahr said “The offender then drove victim number one home and victim number two told a teacher at the school the following day, victim number one told her mother a few days later”

One of the girl’s attorneys spoke to reporters after the hearing Friday.

Brad Cosgrove said “My client is upset by the conduct of her coach, betrayal of coach.”

But Jones’ attorney, Jeffrey Granich, said his client is innocent of these charges. He says Jones is married with two young children, serves as a deacon at his church and has no criminal history.

“At this point we’re all shocked about these charges, he’s lead an exemplary life, he’s a good, we’re looking forward to the trial and clearing his name,” Granich said.

Parents said they are disturbed by the charges against the coach, but they have good things to say about the school and its’ principal.

“I’m shocked that it happened at this school, because the principal takes care of his students, so I’m shocked.”

8 comments

kinniemiki

until I saw the bank draft which said $5222, I did not believe that my brothers friend woz truly bringing in money in their spare time online.. there moms best frend has done this for only fifteen months and at present took care of the loans on their appartment and purchased opel. read more at……. http://xurl.es/v09vc

sharong4

Something is amiss. If I was in a car with my coach and he drove into an alley, I would have automatically gotten out. Why would the friend just stand there and watch 2 people have sex? She should have called the police. In fact, when the 1 friend got out the car why didn't the other. These girls are 17 years old, he is definitely a good looking man and it didn't sound like the girl was forced. If she was, then that would be rape. But the friend didn't try to get any help. Tell me what is wrong with this story.

J Phelps

I agree something is wrong with this story for the same reasons you mentioned, plus, teenagers tend to fabricate stories without realizing the dire consequences of their statements. If this is indeed the truth, then so be it, if it is not, and this mans life if ruined, as well as his family's this would be a terrible shame. This story has this man "Guilty" as I read it, and that is not the way our Legal System is made to work. I always thought it was "Innocent until proven guilty."

Alex

concern person

Alex

I would never think a decon at my church could ever do something like this not only that what if he do go to jail his to girl would be without a father but I believe he is wrong but she still new what she was doing why would you get in the car with him if just a few months ago he tried to kiss you at Daughter birthday party that maid no spence

KAY

I AGREE IF IT'S NOT CONSIDERED RAPE, THAN THAT MEANS THEY HAD CONSENTUAL SEX. ESPECIALLY IF THE GIRL WAS ENGAGING IN THE SEX ACTIVITY, WHY IS SHE CONSIDERED THE VICTIM. I THINK THEY BOTH ARE. NOW IF SHE WAS 18, HE WOULDNT BE LOOKED AT SO BAD AFTER ALL. I GUESS 1 YEAR MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. SMDH WHERE IS JUSTICE WHEN U NEED IT?